As Spring Training kicks off, the Philadelphia Phillies are closely monitoring the health of their ace, Zack Wheeler, with a keen eye on his recovery progress. Wheeler, who underwent surgery for venous thoracic outlet syndrome, is set to miss Opening Day, making his return a pivotal storyline for the team.
Wheeler's role as the linchpin of the rotation cannot be overstated, and any positive development is a beacon of hope for Phillies fans. According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, there's reason for optimism.
Wheeler recently threw from 120 feet without any setbacks and expressed excitement about his progress. The next step could see him back on the mound, with a potential return slated for late April or early May.
If his recovery continues smoothly, Wheeler might even speed up this timeline.
This progress is a breath of fresh air for the Phillies, considering Wheeler's impressive 2.71 ERA from last season before the injury sidelined him. As long as he remains pain-free, a return to the mound seems imminent.
While the Phillies can manage without him for now, having Wheeler back in action will be crucial for their long-term success this season.